Grain Saver Catch for Combine Unloader Grain Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural combines experience significant grain loss due to accidental discharge during the unloading process, primarily caused by the dribble door not closing fully and grain escaping from vibrations, leading to substantial economic losses over large harvest areas.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural combine unloader assembly featuring a grain saver catch with a pivotally mounted door and a housing that moves between open and closed positions, incorporating a biasing element and a catch to collect and retain grain, preventing unwanted discharge and ensuring efficient grain delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dribble door is used to cover the discharge outlet, then grain discharge control is improved, but grain loss occurs due to the door not closing fully or being biased ajar by grain particles and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is segmented into multiple components: a door for covering the discharge outlet, a catch mounted adjacent to the door, and a biasing element. This segmentation allows the door to focus on discharge control while the catch collects escaping grain and the biasing element ensures proper door positioning, thereby reducing grain loss while maintaining reliable discharge control.
2Loss of substance
If the door is positioned to cover the discharge outlet, then grain loss from vibration is reduced, but grain flow path may be obstructed if the door position is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The door is designed to be movable between different positions rather than fixed. This dynamic positioning allows the door to adapt to different operating conditions, maintaining optimal grain flow path while providing coverage to prevent grain loss from vibration. The door can be positioned to fully cover the outlet when needed while still allowing efficient grain discharge when open.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces grain loss by ensuring the door remains closed during non-discharge periods and collects escaping grain, enhancing the efficiency and economy of grain unloading operations.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element and a catch with a receptacle to collect and retain grain
Implementation Method 2
The catch is operatively connected to the door and movable between a first position and a second position
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural combine unloader assembly includes an unloader tube having an internal passage in fluid communication with a discharge outlet at an end of the unloader tube. A door is mounted adjacent the discharge outlet for covering the discharge outlet. The door is moveable between an open position uncovering the discharge outlet and a closed position at least partially covering the discharge outlet. In the open position, the door is positioned below a flow path of grain to be discharged through the discharge outlet. A catch is mounted adjacent the door. The catch includes a housing having an open end adjacent a first end of the door and a closed end adjacent a second end of the door opposite the first end. The catch is operatively connected to the door and movable between a first position and a second position.